Riders of the Realm #1: Across the Dark Water

About the Book

A new and exciting fantasy novel—the first in a trilogy—from the imagination of Guardian Herd series author Jennifer Lynn Alvarez. Perfect for fans of Lisa McMann’s Going Wild, Brandon Mull’s Wild Born, or Erin Hunter’s Warriors series.

Deep in the jungles of the Realm, the Sandwen clan live amongst deadly spit dragons and hordes of warring giants. But with their winged battle horses, they manage to keep their people safe.

Twelve-year-old Rahkki is a stable groom for the Riders in the Sandwen army, taking care of his brother’s winged stallion. The Sandwens believe they have tamed all the wild pegasi in their land, and turned them into flying warhorses. But when a herd of wild steeds flies over their village, Rahkki and his clanmates are stunned.

Meanwhile, a small herd of pegasi have journeyed across a treacherous ocean to settle in a new, and free, land. Led by Echofrost and Hazelwind, the Storm Herd steeds are unaware of the Sandwens. But when the unthinkable happens, Echofrost and the rest of Storm Herd will have to come to trust the Sandwens, or both may not survive.

Educator and Librarian Resources

Critical Praise

Praise for LANDFALL —;

“Perfect for fans of Charlotte’s Web and the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, Alvarez advances the story arc thoughtfully and gives a cliffhanger ending that will leave readers clamoring for the final series installment.” —Booklist

Praise for STORMBOUND —;

“Filled with fantastical action, and rich with description. A well-paced and engrossing story. Alvarez has created a series that will be beloved by readers.” —Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Animal-lovers and fantasy fans will enjoy the second installment in this series. Rapid-fire pacing keeps the book moving.” —Booklist

Praise for STARFIRE —;

“Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down.” —School Library Journal

“From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. It’s a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you.” —Peter Lerangis, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series

“Alvarez’s world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer. Fans of animal fantasies should find it enjoyable.” —Publishers Weekly

“This epic adventure is richly developed. Compelling.” —Kirkus

“Will prove popular with both animal-lovers and fantasy fans. …A good choice for reluctant readers. The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd.” —Booklist

“Readers will be enthralled. The story is action-packed and full of adventure, making it difficult to put down. Perfect for fans of Erin Hunter’s “Warrior” series.” —School Library Journal

“A story with both wings and heart, Across the Dark Water is a breathtaking ride into a rich and dangerous world. Animal-lovers and thrill-seekers alike will cheer for Echofrost and Rahkki at each of the many twists and turns. Clever, epic, and wildly imaginative!” —Kamilla Benko, author of The Unicorn Quest

“An epic adventure that moves at the speed of flight. Thrilling, compelling and completely enchanting. I fell in love with the Storm Herd, and one particular winged steed that Pegasus himself would fall for!” —Kate O’Hearn, author of the international bestselling Pegasus series

“Exhilarating! A well-woven tale full of loyalty, bravery, danger, and love. Readers will be delighted!” —Lindsay Cummings, New York Times bestselling author of the Balance Keepers series

“A riveting, richly imagined epic tale of loyalty, bravery, and friendship that will make your heart (literally!) soar—a pulse-pounding adventure! Jennifer Lynn Alvarez is a true master of her craft.” —Kristen Kittscher, author of The Wig in the Window and The Tiara on the Terrace

“Getting swept up in Jennifer Lynn Alvarez’s rich world of flying steeds, Landwalkers, giants, and spit dragons was the most fun I’ve had all year. It’s like How to Train Your Dragon meets Watership Down. But with pegasi. A fantastic read!” —John Kloepfer, author of the Zombie Chasers series and the Galaxy’s Most Wanted series

“Honor and courage soar on every page of Jennifer Lynn Alvarez’s books!” —Jenn Reese, author of the Above World trilogy

“A beautiful tale of loyalty, adventure, and bravery. Readers will want to soar through the clouds with Echofrost and befriend kind-hearted Rahkki. Across the Dark Water is a captivating opener to the Riders of the Realm trilogy.” —Jill Diamond, author of the Lou Lou and Pea series

“Gorgeously detailed, with heart-wrenching conflict; a breathtaking read. Alvarez’s fantasy world is richly developed with a cast of characters readers will love. I read it as fast as a Pegasus can fly and am already longing for more.” —Mindee Arnett, critically acclaimed author of Onyx & Ivory

“An amazing story of survival flecked with themes of captivity and freedom, and a coming-of-age journey with a strong heart.” —Booklist